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How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard

Steamship Authority Ferry (photo by Marneley Murray)

Looking to visit Martha’s Vineyard? One of the most frequently asked questions is: how do you get to Martha’s Vineyard? Since there are no bridges or tunnels to the Island, all travel is by ferry or plane.

This guide outlines all available options in 2025, including passenger ferries, car transport, and direct flights from major cities. Whether traveling from Cape Cod, Boston, New York, or beyond, here is everything to know about getting to Martha’s Vineyard.

Where Is Martha’s Vineyard?

Martha’s Vineyard is an Island located seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It spans about 100 square miles and includes six towns: Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah.

Because it is only accessible by sea or air, travelers must plan to arrive via ferry or flight.

Ferry Options to Martha’s Vineyard

Taking the ferry is the most popular and scenic way to get to the Island. Multiple ports in Massachusetts (and even New York) offer seasonal and year-round service. Some ferries allow cars, while others are passenger-only.

1. Steamship Authority (Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven or Oak Bluffs)

  • Type: Vehicle and passenger
  • Schedule: Year-round
  • Arrives in: Vineyard Haven (year-round) or Oak Bluffs (seasonal)
  • Duration: ~45 minutes

As the only ferry service that carries vehicles, the Steamship Authority is ideal for travelers who wish to bring a car. Reservations for vehicles are essential and should be made well in advance, especially during the summer months.

Walk-on passengers do not require reservations, but they should arrive early during peak travel periods.

2. Island Queen (Falmouth to Oak Bluffs)

  • Type: Passenger only
  • Schedule: Mid-May to mid-October
  • Duration: ~35 minutes

This scenic ferry departs from Falmouth Harbor and is a convenient option for those not bringing a car. Parking is available in nearby lots with shuttle service to the terminal. Reservations are not required but are recommended during busy weekends.

Hy-Line Cruises (photo by Steve Myrick)

3. Hy-Line Cruises (Hyannis to Oak Bluffs)

  • Type: Passenger only
  • Schedule: Seasonal (late spring through fall)
  • Duration: ~1 hour

Hy-Line offers a high-speed ferry from Hyannis on Cape Cod to Oak Bluffs. It also runs inter-island service between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, making it a great option for travelers exploring both Islands.

4. SeaStreak Ferries

  • From New Bedford, MA: ~1 hour
  • From New York City & Highlands, NJ: ~5–6 hours
  • Type: Passenger only
  • Schedule: Seasonal

SeaStreak offers long-distance ferry service, including weekend and holiday routes from New York City and New Jersey to Oak Bluffs. It's an excellent option for travelers from the Tri-State area who prefer not to fly or drive.

5. Patriot Party Boats (Falmouth to Vineyard Haven)

  • Type: Passenger and light freight
  • Schedule: Year-round
  • Duration: ~45 minutes

Patriot Party Boats offers limited, commuter-style service and is mostly used by tradespeople and locals. It’s a simple, no-frills option for travelers heading to Vineyard Haven.

Martha's Vineyard Airport (photo by Steve Myrick)

Flights to Martha’s Vineyard (MVY Airport)

Flying is the fastest way to reach the Island, especially from cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Martha’s Vineyard Airport (MVY) is located in the center of the Island and is a short drive from most towns.

Year-Round Flights:

  • Boston (BOS) – via Cape Air, Southern Airways Express
     – ~40-minute flight

Seasonal Flights (May through October):

  • New York (JFK, LaGuardia, Westchester County)
  • Washington, D.C. (DCA)
  • Philadelphia (PHL)
  • Providence (PVD)
  • Nantucket (ACK)

Airlines That Serve MVY:

  • Cape Air
  • JetBlue
  • American Airlines
  • Delta
  • Southern Airways Express
  • Tradewind Aviation (offers both charter and scheduled semi-private flights)

Booking flights early is recommended, especially for peak summer weekends. MVY Airport is small and efficient, with quick boarding and easy access to rental cars and taxis.

Getting from Boston to the Woods Hole Ferry Terminal

For travelers flying into Boston without a car, reaching Martha’s Vineyard is easier than you might think. Two major bus companies—Peter Pan Buses and Plymouth & Brockton (P&B)—offer direct service from Boston Logan Airport and South Station to the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole.

  • Departure Points: Boston Logan International Airport and South Station 
  • Arrival Point: Steamship Authority Ferry Terminal, Woods Hole 
  • Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours 
  • Tickets: Available online; advanced reservations are strongly recommended during the busy summer season 

Both bus lines are scheduled to align with ferry departure times, making the connection to the Island seamless and stress-free. This route is one of the most affordable and convenient options for getting to Martha’s Vineyard from Boston, especially for those not planning to rent a car.

VTA (photo by Marnely Murray)

Should You Bring a Car to Martha’s Vineyard?

Bringing a vehicle to the Island is possible through the Steamship Authority, but is not always necessary. Consider the following when deciding:

When to Bring a Car:

  • Staying Up-Island (Chilmark, Aquinnah, West Tisbury, where public transit is limited
  • Visiting for an extended stay
  • Traveling with children, pets, or a lot of luggage

When to Leave the Car Behind:

Pro tip: If bringing a car during the summer, vehicle ferry reservations should be made months in advance.

Quick Travel Planning Tips

  • Book early: Whether bringing a car or flying, summer reservations fill up quickly
  • Choose your arrival port wisely:
     – Vineyard Haven: Open year-round, great for flexibility
     – Oak Bluffs: Seasonal, walkable, and close to attractions
  • Midweek travel often means fewer crowds and better availability
  • Pack light if walking on the ferry or flying
  • Monitor weather conditions, especially in spring and fall, when storms may affect ferry or flight schedules

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Get to Martha’s Vineyard?

The best way to get to Martha’s Vineyard depends on your location, schedule, and travel style:

  • From Cape Cod? Take the Steamship Authority or Island Queen
  • From Boston? Choose the ferry from Woods Hole or a short flight from Logan
  • From New York or New Jersey? Consider SeaStreak or a direct flight to MVY
  • Not bringing a car? Go with a passenger-only ferry or fly, then rent transportation on the island

No matter how you get there, the journey to Martha’s Vineyard is part of the experience—and once you arrive, the beauty of the Island will make it all worthwhile.

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